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The Michigan Attorney General has determined that a full and complete investigation of what happened within the Catholic Church is required. This investigation is and will continue to be independent, thorough, transparent, and prompt. My department and this investigation will find out who knew what, and when.
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The laws regarding expungement of criminal offenses in Michigan changed in major ways in April of 2021. This page is designed to help applicants navigate their way through the new laws, help them determine if they are eligible to have convictions expunged, to answer frequently asked questions about the new laws, and to provide links for resources and assistance.
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The Michigan Attorney General is leading the fight against this horrific crime by prosecuting the state's first-ever criminal cases under state law banning human trafficking in Michigan. Victims of human trafficking are in bondage through force, fraud or coercion, for the purpose of sex or labor exploitation.
Knowing how to guard your personal information is your first line of defense against identity theft.
Michigan Attorney General's robocall initiative is leading several efforts to protect Michigan residents from the billion plus robocalls made to them every year.
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September 16, 2025
LANSING — On Friday, September 12, Edward Eugene Smith, 34, formerly of Cadillac and most recently residing in Seattle, WA, was convicted by plea in the 28th Circuit Court in Wexford County, for crimes committed in 2018 against a then-15-year-old victim, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Smith pled no contest to one count each of Child Sexually Abusive Activity, a 20-year felony, Accosting a Minor for Immoral Purposes, a 4-year felony, and Using a Computer to Commit Child Sexually Abusive Activity, a 20-year felony.
In 2018, then-28-year-old Smith contrived a scenario to convince a 15-year-old high school student to pose partially nude while he photographed her in his apartment. A roommate discovered the photographs on a device owned by Smith and alerted authorities. Smith was charged criminally by the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney in 2018, though Smith soon left the State of Michigan. Under Operation Survivor Justice, Edward Smith was arrested in Seattle, Washington in February of this year and extradited to Michigan to face these charges.
“This conviction is another example of how Operation Survivor Justice brings individuals with active warrants back to face their charges,” Nessel said. “My office will continue to prosecute and hold offenders accountable, no matter how long they have evaded justice.”
Smith pled as a second-offense habitual offender, following a 2010 conviction for Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Penetration on a different 15-year-old child in Missaukee County. He will next appear for sentencing before visiting Judge Bill Fagerman on October 23 in the 28th Circuit Court in Wexford County.
Smith’s return to Michigan and Friday's conviction were made possible by Operation Survivor Justice. The Operation is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.
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